can be absolved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be absolved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is discussing the possibility of being freed from blame, guilt, or responsibility. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it was determined that the defendant can be absolved of all charges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Guilt, at least, can be absolved through action.

The New Yorker

If executives can be absolved of guilt by an agency that apologizes, does that mean anyone can be absolved of anything with a simple transfer of cash?

The New York Times - Books

(By Pakistani law, honor killings can be absolved if the victim, or her family, forgives the perpetrator).

The New Yorker

In rabbinic sermons and at holiday meals, they will debate questions like: If former president Bill Clinton can be absolved, can Jews extend similar treatment to two of their own?

The New York Times

He noted that a legal system where issues were never definitively resolved -- where you can be absolved of a crime and yet have the case resurrected later - sapped Italy's political and economic system.

The Guardian

The pope was reaffirming the Roman Catholic teaching that penitents can be absolved only if they intend to change their ways -- to try, as priests say at the end of the confessional rite, to "Go and sin no more".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Shortly after those sad strains die down, a lone male figure steps into a spotlight on the darkened stage and intones a monologue that begins thus: "There are sins from which we can never be absolved.

The New York Times

He welcomes Amazing Grace as a film that will encourage debate - about the guilt of the west, the complicity of African slave traders, and whether the sins of the past can now be absolved.

The Guardian - Film

Now, can Patrick Ewing finally be absolved of some guilt?

The New York Times - Sports

How then can Vienna Circle philosophy be absolved of reductionism?

SEP

Can we expect to be absolved of all blame simply because we have served our punishment?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be absolved", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is being absolved from, such as blame, guilt, or responsibility. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "can be absolved" in situations where complete forgiveness or forgetting is implied. Absolution typically signifies a release from specific charges or responsibilities, not necessarily a full erasure of the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be absolved" functions as a passive modal construction, indicating the possibility of someone or something being released from blame, guilt, or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in contexts ranging from legal exoneration to moral forgiveness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be absolved" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to indicate the possibility of being freed from blame, guilt, or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian show its use in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. It’s important to specify what the subject is being absolved of and to avoid using the phrase when complete forgiveness or forgetting is implied. Alternatives like "can be forgiven" or "can be exonerated" may be more appropriate depending on the context, but "can be absolved" remains a clear and useful phrase when used accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be absolved of guilt

Explicitly mentions the absence of guilt, making it a more direct synonym but slightly more verbose.

can be forgiven

Focuses more directly on the act of forgiving, implying a personal element of pardon rather than a formal release from obligation.

can be freed from blame

Focuses on the release from responsibility or fault, suggesting that the person was initially considered responsible.

can be exonerated

Implies a formal declaration of innocence, often in a legal context, emphasizing the clearing of charges or accusations.

can be cleared

Suggests the removal of suspicion or doubt, implying a simpler or more direct process of proving innocence.

can be pardoned

Highlights the act of granting clemency, often by an authority figure, typically after a wrongdoing has been acknowledged.

can be excused

Indicates that the person's action, behavior or fault may not be taken seriously

can be vindicated

Emphasizes the justification or defense of someone's actions or beliefs, proving them to be right or valid.

can be acquitted

Specifically refers to a legal outcome where someone is found not guilty of a crime.

can be redeemed

Implies the restoration of someone's reputation or standing, often after a period of disgrace or failure.

FAQs

How can I use "can be absolved" in a sentence?

Use "can be absolved" to indicate that someone or something is capable of being freed from blame, guilt, or responsibility. For example, "After reviewing the evidence, the suspect "can be absolved" of the charges".

What can I say instead of "can be absolved"?

You can use alternatives like "can be forgiven", "can be exonerated", or "can be cleared" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be absolved" or "can be absolved from"?

"Can be absolved" is typically followed by "of" (e.g., "can be absolved of blame"). Using "from" is less common but not necessarily incorrect, depending on the specific prepositional usage required by the context.

What's the difference between "can be absolved" and "can be pardoned"?

"Can be absolved" generally refers to being cleared of specific charges or blame, while "can be pardoned" implies a more formal act of forgiveness, often by an authority figure, typically after acknowledging a wrongdoing.